IS THERE AN ELECTRIC CAR IN YOUR FUTURE? PROMISING NEW BATTERY BREAKTHROUGH

Encouraging new developments in battery technology assuring an increased driving range from 100 to 200 mi., are the center of optimism for the electric car's future. General Motors' Electrovette, a battery-powered Chevette, has shown the ability to maintain 50 mph and a range of 100 mi. with a new zinc-nickel oxide battery which can store up to three times the energy of a conventional lead-acid type and has a projected 30,000 mi. life. Promising improvements have been made with the nickel-iron battery (first patented by Edison), and a zinc-chloride battery under development by Energy Development Association of New York offers a 100 mi. range and 150,000 mi. life. Recent progress in electric car development has been supported by Department of Energy (DOE) funds. DOE estimates that within 20 years, 8.6 million electric or hybrid (electric/gasoline or electric/diesel) vehicles will be in use in the U.S. DOE rejected a recommendation by the General Accounting Office in April 1979 that electrics not be demonstrated in fleets until their performance was improved. The oil and auto industries' concern over the competitive effect of electric vehicles (EV's), is evidenced by Exxon's attempt to acquire Reliable Electric Company (electric car components), halted by a temporary restraining order. General Motors and Ford are actively involved in producing electric commuter cars. Because of the rising demand for EV's in view of fuel prices, smaller producers will continue to flourish. Other researchers envision the use of solar cell for EV propulsion. One of the most practical hybrids being tested is Briggs & Stratton's sedan which can be driven by an electric motor, gasoline engine, or both. In June 1980, Gulf & Western announced the development of a battery system providing a 200 mi. range at 55 mph.

• Corporate Authors:

  California Association of Highway Patrolmen

  1225 8th Street
  Sacramento, CA  United States  95814
• Authors:
  • Roper, W L
• Publication Date: 1980-9

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: 9 p.
• Serial:
  • California highway patrolman
  • Volume: 44
  • Issue Number: 7

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Electric automobiles; Electric vehicles; Hybrid vehicles; Nickel iron batteries; Nickel zinc batteries; Zinc chloride batteries
• Subject Areas: Energy; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00382080
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
• Report/Paper Numbers: HS-030 492
• Files: HSL, USDOT
• Created Date: Mar 30 1984 12:00AM